CertainTeed Landmark Shingles: Complete Review (2026)

CertainTeed Landmark: The Brand and the Product Line

CertainTeed is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a French multinational that is one of the world's largest building materials manufacturers. Founded in 1904, CertainTeed has over a century of roofing manufacturing experience and operates multiple production facilities across North America. The Landmark line is their core architectural shingle product and accounts for a significant share of total residential shingle sales in the United States.

The Landmark name encompasses several product tiers: Landmark (standard), Landmark PRO, and Landmark Premium. Each tier builds on the base product with additional features, color depth, and warranty coverage. This tiered approach allows CertainTeed to serve a wide range of budgets and preferences under a single, well-known product family.

For Pinellas County homeowners researching shingle options, the Landmark family sits in the sweet spot between budget shingles (like Owens Corning Oakridge) and ultra-premium designer products. It competes directly with GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration, which together dominate the mid-range architectural shingle market. Learn more about the full CertainTeed shingle lineup to see where Landmark fits among their other products.

What sets CertainTeed apart from competitors is their emphasis on color quality and aesthetic depth. The company invests heavily in granule blending technology, and many roofing professionals consider CertainTeed shingles to have the richest, most natural-looking color palettes in the industry. This matters for curb appeal, which directly impacts property values in the competitive Pinellas County real estate market.

Landmark vs. Landmark PRO vs. Landmark Premium: Which Tier?

Understanding the differences between Landmark tiers is essential for making the right choice. While all three share the same core construction and wind rating, they differ in color technology, warranty coverage, and visual impact.

CertainTeed Landmark (Standard)

The base Landmark shingle is CertainTeed's workhorse product. It features a dual-layer laminated construction with a fiberglass mat base, SBS-modified asphalt coating, and ceramic-coated mineral granules. The standard granule blend provides good color depth and variation, though not as dramatic as the Max Def technology in higher tiers. With a 230 lb per square weight, it is heavier than budget options like Oakridge (215 lbs), which translates to slightly better durability and wind resistance.

The 10-year SureStart warranty means that for the first decade after installation, any manufacturer defect is covered at 100% replacement cost including both materials and labor. This is a meaningful benefit because most shingle defects, if they exist, manifest within the first 10 years. After the SureStart period, coverage continues under the limited lifetime warranty but with increasing proration over time.

CertainTeed Landmark PRO

Landmark PRO is the upgrade that most Pinellas County contractors recommend for primary residences. The key improvement is Max Def color technology, which uses additional granule blending and application processes to create richer, more dimensional color patterns. The visual difference between standard Landmark and Landmark PRO is noticeable, particularly in colors like Moire Black, Pewterwood, and Georgetown Gray where the multi-tonal granule blending creates a natural slate-like appearance.

The extended 15-year SureStart period is another significant upgrade. Five additional years of full replacement coverage provides peace of mind that justifies the modest price increase of $10 to $15 per square over standard Landmark. For a 20-square roof, the upgrade from Landmark to Landmark PRO costs approximately $200 to $300 in additional materials.

CertainTeed Landmark Premium

Landmark Premium is designed for homeowners who want the heaviest, most substantial shingle appearance without moving to a designer-series product. At approximately 265 lbs per square, it is one of the heaviest laminated shingles available, creating a thick, shadowed profile that mimics the look of natural wood shake roofing. The Max Def color technology combined with the extra-thick profile creates the most dramatic curb appeal in the Landmark family.

The trade-off with Landmark Premium is fewer color options (8+ versus 18+ for standard Landmark) and a higher price point. For custom homes and luxury properties in areas like Belleair, Tierra Verde, and Isla del Sol, the premium appearance can complement higher-end architectural styles. However, for most Pinellas County homes, Landmark PRO provides the best balance of appearance, performance, and value.

CertainTeed NorthGate: Impact-Resistant Landmark Shingles

CertainTeed NorthGate is a specialized product built on the Landmark platform with one critical addition: Class 4 impact resistance, the highest rating available under the UL 2218 standard. Class 4 means the shingle can withstand impacts from a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet, simulating the impact of large hail.

NorthGate achieves its impact resistance through a unique construction that includes a polymer-modified asphalt formula and a specially engineered mat. Unlike some impact-resistant shingles that use a thicker rubber-like asphalt layer (which can make the shingle heavier and less aesthetically appealing), NorthGate maintains the clean appearance and dimensional profile of a standard Landmark shingle.

For Pinellas County homeowners, the primary appeal of NorthGate is potential insurance savings. Some Florida insurance companies offer premium discounts of 5-28% for homes with Class 4 impact-resistant roofing. The exact discount depends on your insurance provider, your specific policy, and your home's overall risk profile. Before investing in NorthGate specifically for insurance savings, contact your insurance company to confirm what discount, if any, they offer for impact-resistant roofing.

NorthGate carries the same 130 mph wind warranty and StreakFighter algae resistance as the standard Landmark line. It includes a 15-year SureStart warranty (matching Landmark PRO) and a limited lifetime warranty. Pricing runs approximately $120 to $140 per square for materials, which is a premium over standard Landmark but potentially offset by insurance savings over the life of the roof.

NorthGate is available in Florida through CertainTeed's distribution network, though color selection may be more limited than the standard Landmark line. Popular NorthGate colors available in the Pinellas County market typically include Moire Black, Weathered Wood, Georgetown Gray, and Pewterwood.

Landmark vs. GAF Timberline HDZ vs. Owens Corning Duration

These three products are the "Big Three" of mid-range architectural shingles. They compete directly on features, warranty, and price. For Pinellas County homeowners, any of these three is an excellent choice, but there are differences worth understanding.

CertainTeed Landmark advantages: The widest color selection in the industry makes Landmark the top choice when aesthetic matching is critical. The SureStart warranty structure is straightforward and well-regarded. CertainTeed's integration with their broader product ecosystem (matching underlayment, starter strips, and hip/ridge accessories) creates a cohesive system. Landmark PRO's Max Def color technology produces some of the most visually striking shingles available.

GAF Timberline HDZ advantages: The LayerLock and StrikeZone nailing technologies make HDZ faster and more consistent to install, which can result in slightly lower labor costs. GAF's WindProven limited wind warranty (available with certified installation) removes the wind speed cap entirely. GAF has the largest market share in North America, which means parts and replacements are readily available.

Owens Corning Duration advantages: SureNail technology provides verified nail placement, and the patented nailing strip is engineered for maximum pull-through resistance. The distinctive OC branding (pink Panthers) makes the product easy to identify during installation. Duration is often the preferred choice of builders and contractors who prioritize consistent quality and ease of installation. For more details, explore our Owens Corning shingle reviews.

The bottom line for Pinellas County: All three are excellent shingles that meet Florida Building Code requirements and perform well in our climate. Your choice may come down to color preference, contractor recommendation (many contractors specialize in one brand), and warranty terms that matter most to you. We recommend getting quotes from contractors who work with each brand so you can compare installed pricing rather than just material costs.

CertainTeed Landmark Color Selection for Florida

CertainTeed offers the widest color palette of any major shingle manufacturer, with 18 or more colors in the Landmark line alone. For Florida homes, color choice affects both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Here are the most popular Landmark colors in the Pinellas County market and why homeowners choose them:

For Pinellas County's hot, sunny climate, lighter colors like Pewterwood, Georgetown Gray, Silver Birch, and Driftwood perform best from an energy efficiency standpoint. These colors reflect more solar radiation, resulting in lower attic temperatures and reduced air conditioning costs during the long Florida summer. Research shows that lighter-colored roofs can reduce cooling energy consumption by 10-20% compared to dark roofs.

CertainTeed's online color visualizer tool allows you to upload a photo of your home and see how different Landmark colors would look on your specific roof. This is a valuable resource because shingle colors look different in person than they do in small swatches or on a screen. For the most accurate impression, request physical sample boards from your contractor and view them in natural sunlight at your home.

Understanding the CertainTeed SureStart Warranty

The SureStart warranty is one of CertainTeed's competitive advantages and deserves detailed explanation. Many homeowners do not fully understand how roofing warranties work, and the SureStart provision addresses one of the biggest gaps in standard shingle warranties.

A standard "limited lifetime" shingle warranty typically covers the cost of replacement shingle materials if the product fails due to manufacturing defects. However, it usually does not cover the labor cost of removing the defective shingles and installing new ones. Since labor represents 50-60% of a roof replacement cost, a materials-only warranty leaves homeowners responsible for a significant expense even when the product was clearly defective.

SureStart changes this equation. During the SureStart period (10 years for Landmark, 15 years for Landmark PRO and Premium), CertainTeed covers 100% of the cost to repair or replace defective shingles, including both materials and reasonable labor costs. This is not prorated, meaning you get full replacement value regardless of whether the defect appears in year 1 or year 9.

After the SureStart period expires, the warranty transitions to a standard limited lifetime warranty that covers materials only, with increasing proration over time. The proration schedule means that the older the roof gets, the less CertainTeed pays toward replacement materials. By year 20-25, the prorated coverage is relatively modest.

To maintain warranty coverage, CertainTeed requires that the shingles be installed according to their published application instructions, that proper ventilation is maintained (balanced intake and exhaust), and that the roof receives reasonable maintenance. Using a CertainTeed-certified contractor, while not strictly required, provides additional warranty benefits and ensures the installation meets the manufacturer's standards.

For Pinellas County homeowners, the SureStart warranty is particularly valuable. Florida's climate can reveal manufacturing defects faster than cooler, less demanding environments. Having full replacement coverage, including labor, during the most critical early years provides meaningful financial protection.

CertainTeed Contractor Availability in Pinellas County

CertainTeed has a robust network of certified contractors in the Tampa Bay area, including Pinellas County. Their contractor certification program has several tiers that indicate different levels of training, experience, and commitment:

CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster: This is the highest certification level. These contractors have completed extensive training on CertainTeed products, demonstrated installation proficiency, and maintain active licensing and insurance. Using a SELECT ShingleMaster unlocks the best warranty coverage, including the SureStart Plus warranty that adds an additional 2 years of SureStart coverage and extends the wind speed warranty.

CertainTeed ShingleMaster: The mid-tier certification requires product training and proof of licensing and insurance. ShingleMaster contractors can offer the full SureStart warranty but not the enhanced SureStart Plus terms.

CertainTeed Credentialed Installer: The entry-level certification. These contractors have completed basic product training. Standard warranty terms apply.

In the Pinellas County market, CertainTeed has good representation among local roofing contractors. Both GAF and CertainTeed have stronger contractor networks in Florida than Owens Corning, largely because both companies invest more heavily in contractor training programs and incentives. This means you are likely to have more options when seeking CertainTeed-certified contractors compared to OC-preferred contractors.

When selecting a contractor for Landmark installation, ask specifically about their CertainTeed certification level, how many CertainTeed roofs they have installed in the past year, and whether they carry CertainTeed products in stock (which can reduce lead times). A contractor who installs CertainTeed regularly will be more familiar with product-specific requirements and best practices. For more information on finding the right contractor, visit our Pinellas County roofing resource center.

CertainTeed Landmark Performance in Florida Climate

Florida presents unique challenges for asphalt shingles: intense UV radiation, extreme heat, high humidity, salt air in coastal areas, and hurricane-force winds. CertainTeed Landmark shingles handle these conditions well, with several features specifically beneficial for our climate:

StreakFighter algae resistance: CertainTeed's copper-containing granule technology inhibits the growth of Gloeocapsa magma, the blue-green algae responsible for black roof streaks. In Pinellas County's warm, humid environment, algae growth is a constant battle for asphalt roofs. StreakFighter provides protection for the warranty period, keeping the roof looking clean without the need for chemical treatments or pressure washing.

130 mph wind warranty: The standard 130 mph wind resistance meets Florida Building Code requirements for most of Pinellas County. During a major hurricane, no asphalt shingle can guarantee zero damage from large debris impacts, but the 130 mph rating provides confidence that the shingles will stay attached during sustained high winds. Proper installation with the correct number of nails and appropriate starter strips is essential to achieving the rated wind performance.

UV and heat resistance: CertainTeed uses ceramic-coated mineral granules that resist UV degradation better than some competitor products. The granules also help reflect solar radiation, reducing heat absorption. In Florida, UV exposure is approximately 30% higher than in northern states, making granule quality a critical factor in long-term shingle performance. Expect Landmark shingles to maintain their color integrity for 15-20 years in the Pinellas County sun.

Salt air tolerance: For homes near the Gulf coast in Pinellas County, salt air exposure accelerates corrosion of metal components and can affect some building materials. Asphalt shingles, including Landmark, are naturally resistant to salt air corrosion. The granule coating protects the asphalt from salt spray, and the fiberglass mat core is unaffected by salt. Metal flashing, vents, and fasteners should be corrosion-resistant (galvanized or stainless steel) for coastal installations.

Expected Florida lifespan: CertainTeed Landmark shingles typically last 18 to 25 years in Pinellas County, depending on roof orientation, ventilation quality, and maintenance. South and west-facing roof planes tend to age faster due to more direct sun exposure. Properly ventilated attics extend shingle life by reducing heat cycling stress. Regular inspections (annually and after major storms) help identify and address minor issues before they become major problems. For context on how different materials perform in our climate, see our guide to the best roofing materials for Florida.

Complete Pricing: CertainTeed Landmark Roof in Pinellas County

For a typical 2,000 square foot Pinellas County home with approximately 20 squares of roof area, here is what a Landmark installation typically costs in 2026:

The price difference between Landmark and Landmark PRO for a complete installation is remarkably small: just $200 to $300 for a 20-square roof. Given the enhanced color technology and extra 5 years of SureStart coverage, Landmark PRO represents outstanding value for the modest upgrade cost. For most Pinellas County primary residences, Landmark PRO is the sweet spot in the CertainTeed lineup.

As with any roofing project, always get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured contractors. Verify that quotes include all components (tear-off, underlayment, starter strips, ridge caps, flashing, permits, and cleanup) so you can make fair comparisons. Our comprehensive shingle guide can help you compare CertainTeed products against all other available options for Pinellas County homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About CertainTeed Landmark Shingles